Meanings of 貪
By ear
Play it, then pick what 貪 means.
About 貪
Podcast: 貪
Podcast: 貪
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 貪
贪 (tān) vs 渴望 (kěwàng) — use 貪 when referring to excessive greed rather than a strong desire.
Be cautious with the tone; 貪 is pronounced with a high level tone (tān) which can be confused with other similarly pronounced words. It's often used in formal contexts, especially in literature or discussions about morality, so be mindful of the register you choose. Common collocations include 貪污 (tānwū - corruption) and 貪心 (tān xīn - greedy heart).
While 貪 is not officially part of HSK vocabulary, it relates to the themes of desires and morality found in HSK levels 4 and 5. Focus on understanding its usage in contexts related to ethics and personal values, as this can enhance vocabulary related to societal issues.
Learners often confuse 貪 with other characters that have similar pronunciations, such as 贪 (tān) and 谭 (tán). Remember that 貪 specifically refers to greed or covetousness, while the latter can have different meanings. Always double-check the context to ensure correct usage.
Pronunciation of 貪
Drill the tone of 貪 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 貪 to you
Let me explain 貪 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 貪 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 貪?
Learning Lab
Knowing 貪 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 貪
Phonosemantic compound. 贝 represents the meaning and 今 represents the sound. Simplified form of 貪.
money
Origin
貪 = 貝 + 今. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 貪
Parts
Which of these is part of 貪?
How to say greedy, covetous; corrupt in Chinese
“greedy, covetous; corrupt” in Chinese is貪
The character 貪 (tān) means greedy or covetous, often implying an excessive desire for wealth or possessions. It can also convey a sense of corruption or moral decay in a more abstract sense. Commonly used in discussions about ethics, economics, or personal behavior.
When to use 貪
Be cautious with the tone; 貪 is pronounced with a high level tone (tān) which can be confused with other similarly pronounced words. It's often used in formal contexts, especially in literature or discussions about morality, so be mindful of the register you choose. Common collocations include 貪污 (tānwū - corruption) and 貪心 (tān xīn - greedy heart).
貪 or something close to it
贪 (tān) vs 渴望 (kěwàng) — use 貪 when referring to excessive greed rather than a strong desire.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 貪 with other characters that have similar pronunciations, such as 贪 (tān) and 谭 (tán). Remember that 貪 specifically refers to greed or covetousness, while the latter can have different meanings. Always double-check the context to ensure correct usage.
Write 貪
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 貪 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 貪?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Word Family of 貪
Words with 貪
What does 贪婪 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 貪
Common phrases include 貪心 (tān xīn - greedy) and 貪污 (tān wū - corruption).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 貪?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.